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The Midtown Custom, ES339, and Les Paul Traditional. Each played acoustically, then thru a Mesa Mini Recto.
First, I wanted to try and compare the Midtown Custom and the ES339. Both guitars I've contemplated buying. The Midtwon and 339 are similar in size with the Midtown having a slightly thinner waist. The Midtown is a beautifully crafted guitar with all the "Custom" appoointments. Binding, block inlays, very attractive vintage sunburst finish that varied from light to dark on different parts of the guitar like the back of the neck. Very classy looking instrument. The mahogany back appeared to be 2 pieces, the maple top appeared to be 3. Acoustically, it sounded like a Les Paul played acoustically, only louder. To confirm this, I picked up the LP Traditional for comparison. Yep, very similar. Took some time to get over the fact that this guitar was flat. Flat back and top. Not sure why thats a turn off for me, but it was.
The ES339 retained all the things I love about the ES335, but in a smaller package. Acoustically, it sounded more like a semi hollow similar to a ES335, but slightly brighter with less noticeable low end.
Plugged into the Mesa Mini Recto all 3 guitars sounded amazing. Maybe I was just drooling over the amp... see my other thread in the amp room. The Midtown was first and sure enuff it sounded like an LP but didn't feel like one. Nice crunch and bright top end. Sounded more open and airy just like a chamered LP. So, I plugged in the LP Traditional next. Maple fretboard was hardly distinguishable from rosewood. Looked very nice and unless you already knew it was baked maple I bet you couldn't tell the difference. Plugged in, it sounded just like an LP should.
Next was the ES339. Sounded just like a semi hollow should. Clean, articulate, very smooth on the bass notes. IMO, this guitar was the best of the bunch when plugged into the Mini. They both seemed to work in tandem the guitar's clean & smooth articulation with the Mini's ability to shimmer with just the right amount of bass. I'm not talking about low end vibration, but that upper register of bass that just sounds smooth and balanced.
Overall, the Midtown Custom is a great guitar with Les Paul-ish tones. With 'custom' cosmetics, this guitar is a real value - if you can get over it being so flat. The 339 is going to be an instant classic. If you want ES335 tones in a smaller, lighter package, this is for you. I will say that I do prefer the extra weight and bulk of a real 335. Maybe size does have something to do with mojo.
Thanks,
Lex
First, I wanted to try and compare the Midtown Custom and the ES339. Both guitars I've contemplated buying. The Midtwon and 339 are similar in size with the Midtown having a slightly thinner waist. The Midtown is a beautifully crafted guitar with all the "Custom" appoointments. Binding, block inlays, very attractive vintage sunburst finish that varied from light to dark on different parts of the guitar like the back of the neck. Very classy looking instrument. The mahogany back appeared to be 2 pieces, the maple top appeared to be 3. Acoustically, it sounded like a Les Paul played acoustically, only louder. To confirm this, I picked up the LP Traditional for comparison. Yep, very similar. Took some time to get over the fact that this guitar was flat. Flat back and top. Not sure why thats a turn off for me, but it was.
The ES339 retained all the things I love about the ES335, but in a smaller package. Acoustically, it sounded more like a semi hollow similar to a ES335, but slightly brighter with less noticeable low end.
Plugged into the Mesa Mini Recto all 3 guitars sounded amazing. Maybe I was just drooling over the amp... see my other thread in the amp room. The Midtown was first and sure enuff it sounded like an LP but didn't feel like one. Nice crunch and bright top end. Sounded more open and airy just like a chamered LP. So, I plugged in the LP Traditional next. Maple fretboard was hardly distinguishable from rosewood. Looked very nice and unless you already knew it was baked maple I bet you couldn't tell the difference. Plugged in, it sounded just like an LP should.
Next was the ES339. Sounded just like a semi hollow should. Clean, articulate, very smooth on the bass notes. IMO, this guitar was the best of the bunch when plugged into the Mini. They both seemed to work in tandem the guitar's clean & smooth articulation with the Mini's ability to shimmer with just the right amount of bass. I'm not talking about low end vibration, but that upper register of bass that just sounds smooth and balanced.
Overall, the Midtown Custom is a great guitar with Les Paul-ish tones. With 'custom' cosmetics, this guitar is a real value - if you can get over it being so flat. The 339 is going to be an instant classic. If you want ES335 tones in a smaller, lighter package, this is for you. I will say that I do prefer the extra weight and bulk of a real 335. Maybe size does have something to do with mojo.
Thanks,
Lex
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